Why Every Architecture, Interior Design, and Interior Architecture Student & Graduate Should Build a Personal Brand
- Ashish Chawla
- Feb 7
- 4 min read
The design industry is highly competitive. Whether you want to work at a top firm, launch your own studio, or attract freelance clients, simply having a degree and portfolio isn’t enough anymore. Landing opportunities is no longer just about how good your work is—it’s about how visible you are. I realised this early on. While studying, I noticed that students who actively put themselves out there—on LinkedIn, Instagram, and at industry events—had a serious advantage. They weren’t necessarily the best designers, but they were the ones getting hired first. Not because they had the best skills, but because they were seen. Why Build a Personal Brand?
We often associate branding with businesses, but a personal brand is simply the way people perceive you in your industry. It’s what makes someone remember you, refer you, or reach out with an opportunity.
A strong personal brand:
Helps you stand out in a crowded job market.
Positions you as an expert—even before you have formal work experience.
Builds connections with architects, designers, and firms.
Gives you leverage in career moves, freelancing, or even launching your own studio.
It’s not about becoming an influencer—it’s about ensuring your name holds weight in the industry.
Your “Unfair Advantage” – What Makes You Stand Out?
Every designer has something unique—a combination of skills, experiences, and perspectives that set them apart.
Some examples:
Maybe you’re great at digital rendering and can produce hyper-realistic visuals.
Perhaps you have a background in furniture design that makes your interior concepts unique.
You could be skilled at material sourcing, making you valuable to high-end projects.
Or maybe you just have a distinct design philosophy that you’re passionate about sharing.
When you identify your unfair advantage and make it visible, that’s when opportunities start finding you.
Where to Build Your Brand: LinkedIn vs. Instagram
Most students ignore LinkedIn and underestimate Instagram—two platforms that can completely change the trajectory of your career if used well.
LinkedIn: The Professional Playground
Your digital CV, portfolio, and networking tool all in one.
If you’re an interior design or architecture student posting consistently, you’re already ahead of 90% of your peers.
Industry professionals, recruiters, and firm owners actively use LinkedIn to find talent.
How to get started on LinkedIn:
Complete your profile (headline, summary, projects, skills).
Start posting your work, thoughts on architecture & interiors, or industry insights.
Comment and engage with professionals for 10 minutes a day.
Instagram: The Visual Portfolio
Design is aesthetic—Instagram is where interior designers, architects, and stylists thrive.
Many architecture and interior design firms browse Instagram to find fresh talent.
Unlike LinkedIn, it’s less formal—you can be creative, experimental, and personal.
How to get started on Instagram:
Create a curated design profile—separate from your personal account.
Post process work, sketches, renders, mood boards, and finished projects.
Use stories & reels to show behind-the-scenes work and design thinking.
Engage with designers, firms, and studios through DMs & comments.
Ashish's Tip: Some of the best opportunities come from simply reaching out. A quick DM to a designer or studio you admire could lead to a conversation, an internship, or even a job.
How to Set Yourself Apart in the Design Industry
The architecture and interior design world is tight-knit. The more visible you are, the more recognition and credibility you build.
To stand out:
Engage with industry leaders—comment, discuss, and share insights.
Attend design talks, open studios, and exhibitions—face-to-face connections still matter.
Show your work, process, and thinking—not just polished projects.
Be consistent—whether posting, networking, or contributing to discussions.
Don’t wait until you graduate to start. The sooner you put yourself out there, the easier it becomes to break into the industry.
Real-Life Example: How Personal Branding Works
I’ve seen students land jobs without even applying, simply because they were active on LinkedIn and Instagram.
One interior architecture student started sharing daily sketches on Instagram and engaging with designers. Within a few months, he caught the attention of a well-known London studio and was invited for a coffee. That coffee turned into a job offer.
Another student used LinkedIn to write posts about their design philosophy. A senior designer noticed and invited them to assist on a hospitality project—which led to a full-time role.
This is the power of visibility. When people know your name, your skills, and your perspective, opportunities find you instead of the other way around.
Quick Action Points to Get Started Today
Complete your LinkedIn profile—it’s your digital CV & networking tool.
Start posting your work—one post at a time, not a full portfolio PDF.
Engage with architects & designers—comment, DM, and attend events.
Use Instagram as your visual portfolio—show sketches, renders, mood boards.
Be consistent—small daily actions add up over time.
The earlier you start, the more leverage you’ll have. Opportunities don’t just happen—you create them.
Final Thoughts
Personal branding isn’t just about social media—it’s about owning your narrative in the design industry. The more visible, engaged, and strategic you are, the easier it becomes to land jobs, clients, and even collaborations.
So, start now. Show your work. Make connections. Build your reputation.
Your future self will thank you for it.
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